How to handle Stress
Remember
Refocus
Rest
Rejoice.
How to handle stress and anger.
Psalm 4:1-8 CSB
[1] … For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. a You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. [2] How long, exalted ones, will my honor be insulted? How long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie? Selah [3] Know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. [4] Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah
Remember
Charles H. Spurgeon said, "Memory is a fit handmaid for faith." Sacred memory encourages believers to trust and obey God's Word. Notice the movements in Psalm 103.
Inwardly, David addresses his heart's purpose. Psalm 103:1-5 reads, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." This reveals the heart of "a man after [God's] own heart" (Acts 13:22).
Outwardly, David addresses his Hebrew people. Psalm 103:6-18 reads, "The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them." How great are the Lord's mercies!
Upwardly, David addresses his heavenly partners. Psalm 103:19-22 reads, "The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion." Angels are heavenly partners, an angel told John, "I am your fellow servant" (Revelation 19:10, 22:9). Someone explains, "Because the Lord's dominion includes both heaven and earth, it is appropriate that all His created beings and objects praise Him."
As you reflect on the Lord's purpose, plan, and power, remember it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5a). Praise the Lord!
Remember
Refocus
How to handle stress and anger.
Psalm 4:5-7
Refocus
[5] Offer sacrifices in righteousness and trust in the LORD. [6] Many are asking, "Who can show us anything good?" Let the light of your face shine on us, LORD. [7] You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
The gospel is the priority
The glory of God is what is best
Rest
. [8] I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety. …
Faith is what it is all about.
Hebrew 11:6
Rejoice.
David concludes Psalm 103 as he began it, "Bless the Lord, O my soul!"
Rejoice in the Lord always again i say rejoice.
Refocus
Rest
Rejoice.
How to handle stress and anger.
Psalm 4:1-8 CSB
[1] … For the choir director: with stringed instruments. A psalm of David. Answer me when I call, God, who vindicates me. a You freed me from affliction; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. [2] How long, exalted ones, will my honor be insulted? How long will you love what is worthless and pursue a lie? Selah [3] Know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. [4] Be angry and do not sin; on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah
Remember
Charles H. Spurgeon said, "Memory is a fit handmaid for faith." Sacred memory encourages believers to trust and obey God's Word. Notice the movements in Psalm 103.
Inwardly, David addresses his heart's purpose. Psalm 103:1-5 reads, "Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." This reveals the heart of "a man after [God's] own heart" (Acts 13:22).
Outwardly, David addresses his Hebrew people. Psalm 103:6-18 reads, "The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them." How great are the Lord's mercies!
Upwardly, David addresses his heavenly partners. Psalm 103:19-22 reads, "The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion." Angels are heavenly partners, an angel told John, "I am your fellow servant" (Revelation 19:10, 22:9). Someone explains, "Because the Lord's dominion includes both heaven and earth, it is appropriate that all His created beings and objects praise Him."
As you reflect on the Lord's purpose, plan, and power, remember it is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5a). Praise the Lord!
Remember
Refocus
How to handle stress and anger.
Psalm 4:5-7
Refocus
[5] Offer sacrifices in righteousness and trust in the LORD. [6] Many are asking, "Who can show us anything good?" Let the light of your face shine on us, LORD. [7] You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
The gospel is the priority
The glory of God is what is best
Rest
. [8] I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety. …
Faith is what it is all about.
Hebrew 11:6
Rejoice.
David concludes Psalm 103 as he began it, "Bless the Lord, O my soul!"
Rejoice in the Lord always again i say rejoice.
Comments
Post a Comment